When booking a flight ticket, being aware of airlines’ policies on name change on flight ticket is of utmost importance if you have made a name mistake. Many travellers encounter this scenario frequently and you must note that name corrections are not always as easy as making changes to a reservation online. Because of security regulations enforced by TSA and other aviation authorities, major US airlines have strict policies regarding flight ticket name changes.
The name on your ticket and the name on your passport or government-issued ID must match exactly. Even a minor mistake like missing a middle name can cause delays at security checkpoints or prevent boarding. It is crucial to comprehend how name changes operate and how they vary among major US carriers such as American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest and others. Our guide below will help you understand how to correct name on US flight ticket.
Reasons for Name Change On Flight Ticket
For a variety of reasons, including fixing a minor typo, changing a misspelt name, or updating your name following a divorce, marriage, or court order, you might need to update name on plane ticket. If you have made an error in your name on a flight ticket and have not rectified it, then you might experience hassle at the airport during security check-ins and boarding. It is essential to match the name on your flight ticket with your government-issued ID.
US Airline Name Change Policies
The majority of US Airlines offer name changes on flight tickets through a dedicated process. It is generally acceptable to make small changes, like fixing typos or changing a name due to marriage, but it is usually not acceptable to change the name entirely. To fix misspelled name on flight, you must understand every airline’s policies regarding name changes.
American Airlines Name Change Policy
American Airlines Name Change Policy allows passengers to fix minor name mistakes such as fixing typos or changing misspellings. You can also request legal name changes due to divorce or marriage, but the process is lengthy and may require necessary documents. Corrections can be requested through customer service, especially if you booked your ticket directly with the airline, under American Airlines Name Change Policy.
Delta Airlines Name Change Policy
Delta Airlines Name Change Policy allows minor name changes, such as adding a middle name, fixing up to three characters, and changing a legal name on airline ticket with the required documentation. No airlines permits passengers to transfer their ticket to another individual or change their full name.
United Airlines Name Change Policy
Minor name corrections and even legal name changes can be easily made with the United Airlines Name Change Policy. It is not permitted to change someone’s full name. You must contact United’s customer service to request corrections.
Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy
Generally free of charge, Southwest Airlines Name Change Policy permits flight ticket name correction and legal name changes, particularly for misspellings or updates brought about by marriage or divorce. Legal changes may necessitate documentation. However, it is not allowed to transfer a ticket to another individual.
JetBlue Airways Name Change Policy
Generally free of charge, JetBlue Airlines Name Change Policy allows legal name changes and minor name corrections, particularly for misspellings or updates brought about by marriage or divorce. Legal changes may necessitate documentation. However, it is not allowed to transfer a ticket to another individual.
Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy
Alaska Airlines Name Change Policy offers passengers the flexibility to make minor name corrections for typos or spelling errors, as well as legal name changes resulting from marriage, divorce, or other official reasons, usually at no cost. It might be necessary to provide supporting documentation. It is not permitted to transfer the ticket to another individual or change the full name.

Spirit Airlines Name Change Policy
Unlike many other airlines, Spirit Airlines Name Change Policy allows name corrections and changes, but there may be a fee (usually around $120) for doing so. Valid documentation is required for minor typo corrections and legal name changes. In general, it is not allowed to transfer a full name to another individual.
Frontier Airlines Name Change Policy
Frontier Airlines Name Change Policy permits legal name changes and small name corrections under certain terms and a fee. It is important to note that you cannot transfer your flight ticket to someone else.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Name on a Flight Ticket
Below are simple steps to change name on airline ticket in the US:
- If you want to change name on flight ticket, understand your airlines specific name change policy to get started.
- Obtain any required paperwork, such as a court order for legal name changes or a marriage certificate.
- Open the airline’s official website and log in to your account. Contact the customer service number of the airline you are flying with to request the name correction.
- Check fees for changing flight ticket name and other important details.
- After the airlines processes your name change request, you will receive an email with updated flight ticket details.
Name Changes: Minor vs Major
Once you realise that you have made a name mistake on your flight ticket, do not waste any time and contact your airline’s customer support to get help. If you want to make significant changes such as legal name changes, on your plane ticket, then you need to provide supporting documents and some airlines might charge a fee for the same. You can also check Best Business Class Flight Deal.
Fees Associated with Name Changes
Name change fees with US airlines vary by airline and type of correction. Minor name corrections, such as adding a middle name or fixing typos, are often free or very inexpensive. Legal name changes because of marriage or divorce require documentation and a lengthy process but no additional fee. Almost all airlines forbid flight ticket transfers to someone else and have strict policies regarding the same. Before requesting a change, always check the airline’s policy to avoid unanticipated costs.
Important Tips to Avoid Name Mistakes On Flight Tickets
- It is important to ensure your flight ticket name matches your government ID.
- Make one final check of your spelling and formatting before confirming your reservation.
- Strictly avoid using nicknames, abbreviations and initials on your flight ticket.
- After booking your flight ticket, check your name on the flight ticket for any unintentional mistakes.
FAQs About Flight Ticket Name Changes
- Can I add someone else’s name to my flight ticket?
Generally speaking, US airlines do not permit ticket transfers to another individual. Name changes are only allowed to update the same passenger’s legal name or to correct errors.
- Does fixing a misspelt name on my ticket incur any fees?
The majority of the US airlines provide free minor name corrections such as fixing typos or correcting misspellings. It is best to contact the airline as soon as possible to avoid fees.
- I purchased a ticket from a third party; is it possible to have my name changed on the plane ticket?
Yes, you can request a name change if you have booked your plane ticket from a third party. But it might incur certain restrictions along with a name change fee.
- What is the best time to request a name correction before my flight?
It is best to request name corrections as soon as you detect a name error on your flight ticket. Once you have realised that you have made a mistake in your name, contact your airlines and evaluate your options.
- What will happen if I do not correct the name mistake on my flight ticket?
It is of utmost importance to rectify name mistakes on US Airlines‘ flight tickets. It is compulsory that your flight ticket name matches your government ID. If you do not correct even minor mistakes on your plane ticket, you will be denied boarding.
Key Takeaways
Major US Airlines have separate name change policies but almost similar ground rules. fees for changing flight ticket name is imperative to fix your name errors as soon as you find them on your flight ticket. Call your airline’s customer service and seek guidance. For legal name changes, passengers need to provide all necessary documents that support their name change. Make sure to always review the name change policies of your airlines before making a request.